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Bone growth after TKR

Posted , 6 users are following.

nicky14342
nicky14342

I had TKR 10 months ago. All was normal for the first couple of months but the bend stopped improving and I could only get 90 degrees....the joint just would not bend! I eventually was referred back to the Consultant and an x-ray showed new bone growth around the lower plate and top of the tibia. Apparently,there is no treatment and I have to live with it. This has greatly affected my mobility and lifestyle and I am quite distressed as I am only 59 and still working in an active job. Has anyone else had this experience?

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • britta217
    britta217 nicky14342

    Posted

    hello nicky ... oh gosh, you poor thing. this sounds like what i could be heading for and what my surgeon wants to avoid at all costs. i am 51 and had my OP 4 weeks ago. my bend is poor at 96 (passive, on the kinetec machine) and 75 actively, i.e. trying to bend it myself. we will be looking at this close up and personal at my next visit with him in a couple of weeks. if it has not improved by then, this is when he would sedate me (sleep vs knocking me out) and would bend the knee gently - or so he tells me - to make sure the whole thing doesn't seize up. for me this is already a major shudder moment, but your story makes me think that i need to discuss your scenario with him too, just in case the manual bending doesn't help either.

    i am so, so sorry i cannot at this stage share any hints or tips or even more information with you. but i will certainly do so once i have seen my specialist. and my heart goes out to you as i can totally understand your distress. 90 degrees is more of a handicap than it is any help. and we are both relatively young. when he told me that i needed 120° to sit comfortably in a plane, that was it, my mind was made up. my family live in singapore and that is a LONG flight if you are uncomfortable.

    i will keep you posted nicky. hang in there!

    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1 britta217

      Posted

      I've never made it to 120 but have flown a number of times......longest Minneapolis  Toyko. Of course, I never could get comfortable on a plane since the days of the Super Constellation but the biggest the giggest thing is hydration. Keeping plenty of fluids in the system helps lubricate the joints as well as the rest of the body. Then walking the aisles at least hourly. Never mind people looking at you like you're a potential hijacker, it will keep the knee moving. Just don't forget, you are now a target for the airport security. The knee will trigger the alarm like a pocket knife. Originally I got a letter and card from my doc certifying the prosthesis. They looked, thanked me and told me to go stand over in the secondary inspection area. Like Nicky said, aisle seats are much better. I'm long legged so I don't mind the bulkhead seating as it gives me more leg room. I really wouldn't worry about the lack of 120 being a complete negative.
  • nicky14342
    nicky14342

    Posted

    Thank you Brittney for your encouraging words. I have successfully flown last month and things weren't too bad sitting,although it was only a 2.5hr flight,but manoeuvring into the seat was sore. I usually love to watch out of the window but booked an aisle seat this time so it was easier to get up and to stick my leg into the aisle! 
  • joy47826
    joy47826 nicky14342

    Posted

    As narley as my knee is on hip replacement side, I keep bending it and using all my stuff to keep going and when I hear the Prolo MD on the radio every weekend, I just know I'll give PRP Prolo a shot when I feel the real need. I know Prolo can work, it has helped my shoulder over 4 yrs ago.

    And yet a friend of a friend had a TKR at 76 and he's doing great, a few ibuprofen here and there but he was majorally athletic before he did the knee. He's back to tennis and biking and it's only 5 months or so for him, so who knows what's down the road for him....these replacements aren't a piece of cake.

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